On Monday, February 22, the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee is holding a hearing on A310, which would create a state court cause of action against persons who pursued a patent claim in bad faith. NJCJI is preparing to testify in opposition to this legislation.
The Manhattan Institute has released the 20th installment of its groundbreaking, investigative series Trial Lawyers Inc. The most recent report, like the many that have come before it, reaffirms the fact that not all attorneys are practicing because they believe in fighting for justice. Some attorneys are simply in the business because it is good business.
Last week we announced that a bill had been introduced in the New Jersey Assembly that would make important changes to our state’s oft-abused Consumer Fraud Act. This week we are happy to announce that a companion bill, S1669, has been introduced by Senators Oroho (R-Sparta) and Van Drew (D-Cape May Court House).
On February 16, Gov. Christie delivered his budget address to a joint session of the legislature, officially kicking off negotiations on the state’s FY 2017 budget. The legislature’s focus for the next few months will essentially be on the budget, as it must be passed by July 1.
Happy President's Day
The rules that govern what cases can come before the court, and how they are to proceed, play as big of a role in deciding the outcome of many disputes as the substantive law at issue does. That’s why we at NJCJI were quite eager to see what this year’s Rules Committees Reports would contain. This year’s Civil Practice Committee report is substantial, and we are still reviewing much of it, but below is a summary of a few key items of interest.
S992 has been described as a measure that would strengthen protections against employment discrimination and promote equal pay for women by codifying existing federal law. The myth that this bill is not that big of a change from current practices, but that it will make a big difference, is probably why it passed the New Jersey Senate by a vote of 28-4 on February 11.
Have you ever clicked “shrink to fit” or “shrink one page” in order to save paper by printing out a document that is just over one page on a single sheet? If so, you may be in violation of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, which has very specific rules about appropriate font size. If someone successfully sues you over your green printing habits, you will owe them 3 times what they are claiming as damages, and you will have to pay their attorneys’ fees (as well as your own). Seems a bit excessive doesn’t it?
Each quarter, the New Jersey Court System publishes Judiciary Times, a newsletter highlighting statewide and local news stories about the New Jersey courts, including new programs and services offered by the Judiciary, recent events held around the state and accomplishments of judges and staff.
On Thursday, the full Senate is taking a vote on two bills the NJCJI is opposing because they open New Jersey businesses up to excessive liability.
